German Air Force changes command at Holloman

Col. Werner Theisen, German Air Force Tactical Training USA Command commander (middle), gives a speech, March 13, 2019, in the GAF hangers on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Theisen will lead the remaining German personnel as they disperse to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.(Photo: Airman 1st Class Autumn Vogt/U.S. Air Force photo)

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE- A new commander took the reins of the German Air Force Tactical Training USA Command during a change of command ceremony March 13.

“Col. Theisen, starting today, you will be the new commander of GAF Tactical Training Command,” Kuebart said. “You will initially have to focus on reestablishing the Tactical Training Command at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, and ensuring a seamless continuation of operations. All of this with a sizeable amount of new staff.”

After 27 years in southern New Mexico, the German Luftwaffe ceased flight training at Holloman and will soon complete their transition to Sheppard.

“On Friday, I am heading towards Texas,” Theisen said. “For those who remain here, that does not mean out of sight equals out of mind. I will keep a close eye on Holloman to support you and my current plans are to revisit Holloman twice, once in June and once in September.”

Theisen is thankful for the support Breidenbach provided as the change of command approached.

While Breidenbach will be leaving Holloman to his new post at Air Attaché in London, he said all the German soldiers are sad to leave.

“I don’t think there is a single German soldier who is not sad that our time at Holloman is coming to an end and all of us are leaving with a heavy heart,” Breidenbach said. “It is great to see that the feelings are mutual. In many talks and speeches I heard our American friends voice their regret about us leaving.”

The GAF is in the process of moving to Sheppard AFB, which should be completed by December 2019.